Heart Failure (HF) is associated with high in-hospital mortality and readmission rates. However, reasons for and ways to prevent HF readmissions still need to be determined. About one-third of patients admitted for HF get readmitted within six months; however, there exist few markers that can identify the individuals at the highest risk for readmission. The present study identified clinical and laboratory markers associated with hospital readmission in decompensated HF. 

It enrolled 164 patients with heart failure and reduced Ejection Fraction (EF) <40%, admitted to the cardiology department because of acute decompensation of heart failure. It divided the patients into two groups group 1, those not rehospitalized (single admission), and group 2, those rehospitalized (one or more readmission) during six months follow-up. 

The study found-

• One hundred ten patients in the single admission group and 54 patients were rehospitalized during six months follow-up.
• 63% of the total patients were male.
• The mean age of the study subjects was 65.79 ± 14.12.
• The risk factors of readmissions were acute coronary syndrome, mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, Left bundle branch block (LBBB), Urosepsis, and low EF.
• Anemia, hypertension, EF less than 30%, mitral regurgitation, hyponatremia, and high creatinine independently increased the risk of rehospitalization at six months. 

This study shows the rehospitalization rate as 33%, which has a particular predilection for older males, hypertensive patients, low EF, mitral regurgitation, impaired kidney function, anemia, hyponatremia, individuals living at home independently, and infections.

Habib M, Shaath A. Predictors of Hospital Readmission within Six Months in Heart Failure patients. J Heart Cardiovasc Res. 2022;6 (4.1).